spring2018

Spring 2018
volume fourteen | edition one
Female Mechanics
Fuel Shift in
Auto Industry
Also Inside
> Probiotics p.5
> Pool Construction p.14
> Eyelash Extensions p.23

IN THIS ISSUE
Female Automotive Mechanics Leading a Cultural Rebuild 1
The Promise of Probiotics Outshines the Proof 5
A Clean Home is a Healthy Home? Not Always 8
Understanding the Building Homes and Jobs Act 12
New Law Strengthens Pool Safety Standards 14
When Purchases Turn Sour 17
Ways to Get Kids Eating Better . . . . . . 19
Eyelash Extensions: Lookout for Hazards 23
Friendly Pet Licks and Other ‘Icks’ Can Make You Sick 26
1893 2018
•
VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD
years
PROTECTING CONSUMERS & ANIMALS
•
Veterinary Medical Board Celebrates 125 Years 29
Executive Officer Spotlight: Dr. Michael Marion, BPPE 30
Open for Business: Cannabis Bureau 32

Female Automotive
Mechanics Leading
a Cultural Rebuild
Dealerships, service facilities, trade schools desperately
seeking more women in male-dominated field
By June Vargas
Consumer Connection staff
While men have no problem crossing over into
traditional female occupations like nurses, tailors,
fashion designers, and hairdressers, women have a
harder time when crossing the male-occupied line—
especially when it comes to careers in auto repair.
The disparity is hard to ignore. Consider:
Women spend $300 billion in the auto industry
each year.
Women purchase 65 percent of new cars in the
United States. Women possess 51 percent of
the driver’s licenses in the United States.
Yet only 2 percent of the mechanics and
technicians in the automotive repair industry
are women, according to the U.S. Department
of Labor.
To be fair, women are increasing their numbers in the
dealer ownership and manufacturing sectors, but the
number of women actually working under the hood
remains fairly dismal.
Michelle Oberg, a transmission specialist, supervises
the Technical Training Unit at the Bureau of
Automotive Repair (BAR) in Sacramento. She
agrees that the numbers are way too small.
“I’ve seen a lot of information on women-owned
automotive businesses, but women in the trenches
actually doing the repair work … there’s not as
many as we think,” she says.
Oberg started her career in automotive
repair in 1995 and worked for
15 years as a transmission
specialist before joining
BAR. She became
interested in the
trade after taking a
basic automotive
repair class for
women at a
community college.
Michelle Oberg,
BAR Technical
Training Unit
1

estiMATed industry job gROwth
5.3% 6.5%
inDUSTRY aveRAge
nATIOnAL aveRAge
2014 2024
“I didn’t even know what a ratchet was until I was
20,” she says. “I had some car trouble and my dad,
who always helped me with stuff, was 100 miles
away. I felt so helpless.” After that experience, she
decided she needed to know about her car and
how it worked, so she signed up for the class—and
got hooked. “I just had so much fun, and I started
looking at a future as a mechanic … and I decided
to go for it.”
The demand for female technicians and mechanics
is high. Dealerships, service facilities, and trade
schools are desperately seeking more women to
join the ranks. And the money is good; according
to Universal Technical Institute,
the median salary for auto
technicians is $43,000
a year. Angela Blumer,
a diesel mechanic
who works as
an enforcement
supervisor for BAR
in San Diego, says
women should
definitely consider
going into the trade.
“If you like good pay, if you like taking care of people,
if you like fixing things, it’s the perfect job,” she says.
“The potential for income is enormous. I think a lot
of people miss what you really can make when you
know what you’re doing.”
The love for automotive repair came early for Blumer,
who has been working in the trade for 31 years. Her
interest started when she was 10 years old and she
helped her mom’s boyfriend remove, take apart, and
rebuild an engine on a 1967 Ford Mustang. She
started working as a mechanic on her 18th birthday
and worked her way to journeyman level in eight
years as a diesel truck mechanic at Ryder, where she
overhauled transmissions on the trucks as well as
performed regular maintenance.
gender cOMposition in the profession
12,079
u.s. feMALe workFORCe in 2015
728,429
u.s. MALe workFORCe in 2015
Changing the need
You don’t need to dig up statistics or consult studies
to know that, historically, the population of auto
mechanics has been overwhelmingly male. Mechanic
work has always been associated with the image of
the grease monkey and the requirement for physical
strength and heavy lifting—factors that could swing
the decision to go into the trade over to “no” for
some women.
Angela Blumer,
BAR Enforcement Supervisor
2

The transmission
never knew the gender
I was—it didn’t care.
Michelle Oberg
Times have changed; today’s cars are more technical
than mechanical—automotive mechanics are now
automotive technicians, and service departments and
shops are desperate to hire people with technical
training. “There’s still some people with the grease
monkey mentality and yes, you get dirty, but it takes
a lot of skill and ability and intelligence to work on
cars these days,” says Oberg.
owners just want people that show up to work, work
hard, and are persistent in achieving the shop’s
goals, which is fixing cars and making money. The
transmission never knew the gender I was—it didn’t
care. It’s all in your people skills; I don’t think you
should be one of the guys ... but if you come to work
and you have a good attitude, that’s what makes or
breaks anybody in any job.”
As for customers, Oberg says she has had both
people who were very happy to see a woman
working on their car and people who questioned if
she knew what she was doing. But, she says,
that attitude comes from social expectations—that’s
where the people skills are handy as well.
Blumer says that, for the most part, she’s seeing a
change. “I think society as a whole has gotten a little
more open-minded to having women working on
their vehicles—in the trucking industry it’s still
a big, big challenge, and part of it is the mindset.”
The change to more technology-driven cars has
caused many seasoned mechanics to drop out.
Oberg says she was fortunate; she got into the trade
just as computers were coming on board. “For me,
to be holding a diagnostic tool wasn’t unusual, but
if I gave it to someone in the shop who had been
working in the industry for 20 years … they were
scared of it; they didn’t know what to do with it.”
Blumer benefited from taking computer classes
along with her auto repair classes, something that
she says she’s very glad she did because the added
technological knowledge has helped her go further in
her work.
Changing the mindset
What about the intimidation factor? For Oberg, it
was pretty much nonexistent. “I would say for the
most part I never had any real issues. Business
3

A cultural rebuild
A nationwide, decades-long push to encourage
high school graduates to go to college for academic
degrees instead of learning a trade has left a large
shortage of skilled tradespeople and a lot of open
positions waiting to be filled. California is doing
something about that.
Last year, California community colleges started
the Doing What Matters campaign to revive interest
in career technical education (CTE) (formerly
vocational education). Oberg, who is currently
working on her master’s degree in CTE, thinks
that efforts such as this may lead to more people
going into the trades. Another benefit from being
in a trade? Advances in technology mean you need
to keep up.
“In the trades, especially in automotive, you have to
constantly be learning. What I was working on 20
years ago? That’s ancient technology now. [That’s]
one of the great things about it. You constantly
learn about things and keep your mind engaged,”
Oberg says.
THRee most cOMMOn college majors
37% BUSINESS
16.1% ENGINEERING
6.8% engineering technologies
Both Blumer and Oberg hope their experience
and visibility in the automotive repair trade will help
rebuild the culture. “What I’m hoping is that I inspire
other women to learn more about auto repair, you
know, not necessarily that they want to do the
work—it’s hard labor—but at least become more
knowledgeable about it,” Blumer says.
Oberg hopes that one day, there will be no division of
gender at all.
“I think that, as a society, we have to promote all the
trades to all the genders—they’re great paying jobs,”
she said. “There’s nothing quite like it—for me, it was
taking something that came in on a tow truck and
three days later the customer is driving off, thrilled.
I feel strongly that people should be hired on their
merit. We tend to divide the genders when we don’t
want to do that. I think that we need to empower
women to no matter what automotive facility they’re
going into they should be treated like everybody else.
And part of that is just understanding ourselves.”
Resources
Data USA: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics:
https://datausa.io/profile/soc/493023/#demographics
U.S. Census, American Community Survey:
https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/acs
4

The Promise of Probiotics Outshines the Proof
These popular products may not live up to
all the hype … yet
By Laura Kujubu
Consumer Connection staff
You can drink them, eat them, and even
slather them on your face. Probiotics
have become today’s “it” ingredient
in products such as yogurts, juices,
supplements, and face creams. They’re
touted to effectively treat a range of
conditions, including the flu, irritable
bowel syndrome, eczema, and gum
disease, as well as prevent wrinkles and
boost your immune system.
These claims have led to a booming
market. According to Grand View
Research, the global probiotics market
topped $35 billion in 2015 and will likely
reach $66 billion by 2024.
Advocates say probiotics, which means
“for life,” are the “good” bacteria that
help to push out the “bad” bacteria and
rebalance the microorganisms in your gut,
or act as a barrier to the bad bacteria.
There are several different kinds of
probiotics, but the ones most commonly
linked to health benefits are Lactobacillus
and Bifidobacterium, which are usually
found in yogurts and supplements.
Are these probiotic-fueled products
worth the money? Based on most of the
available evidence so far, probably not.
The blossoming market may be ahead of
scientific proof.
5

Still fuzzy
Despite encouraging results in preliminary trials
using rodents and in small-scale human studies,
most evidence is still shaky. According to a
May 2017 Washington Post article, larger, more
complex research is needed that tests specific
strains and combinations of strains before
they can be recommended to prevent or treat
certain conditions.
The types of probiotic strains in products today
are used not because they’re necessarily known
to adapt to the human digestive system to
improve health, but because manufacturers
know how to grow them in large numbers,
according to a July 2017 Scientific American
article. Also, the sheer number of bacteria
in products today is not enough to alter a
person’s digestive ecosystem. The human gut
has tens of trillions of bacteria, but there are
only up to a few hundred billion in a yogurt cup
or supplement.
Another caveat about today’s probiotics
products—they’re generally not regulated.
Depending on their intended use, probiotics
will be regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) either as a dietary
supplement, a food ingredient, or a drug.
According to the U.S. Department of Health
and Human Services’ National Center for
Complementary and Integrative Health
(NIH), many probiotics are sold as dietary
supplements and therefore don’t require FDA
approval before being marketed. This lack of
regulation means that a probiotic supplement
may not contain what the label claims and the
company selling the product doesn’t need
to prove its effectiveness before being sold.
However, the FDA will intervene if problems
result from taking a supplement.
There is preliminary evidence that probiotics
can help certain health conditions. For
example, some probiotics can alleviate the
side effects of antibiotics. Also, there is early
evidence that probiotics can help irritable
bowel syndrome, but it’s not clear why or how.
According to NIH, “We still don’t know which
probiotics are helpful and which are not. We
also don’t know how much of the probiotic
people would have to take or who would most
likely benefit from taking probiotics.”
If you decide you would like to give them a
try, consult with your doctor first. Using the
wrong strain, especially if given to those with
a weakened immune system such as babies,
the elderly, or someone who is ill, can not
only be ineffective, but also deadly. Be sure
to check your doctor’s license: For doctors
of medicine, check the Medical Board of
California’s website at www.mbc.ca.gov, or
for doctors of osteopathic medicine, check
the Osteopathic Medical Board of California’s
website at www.ombc.ca.gov.
The strongest evidence so far
Scientific American stated that researchers
believe the wave of the probiotic future will be
“personalized probiotics”—carefully chosen
and tested strains to be used for particular
illnesses and in specific biological ecosystems.
This type of approach was taken in one of
the most promising probiotics studies so far:
a large clinical trial in rural India. Published in
6

the Aug. 2017 Nature: International Journal
of Science, the report detailed that a trial was
completed using a devised probiotic strain to
help prevent sepsis, a life-threatening blood
infection, in newborn babies. Sepsis, which is
a bacterial infection, is the most common
cause of death in newborns worldwide.
Scientists, led by Dr. Pinaki Panigrahi at
the University of Nebraska Medical Center,
gave a specified strain, coupled with a sugar
(to feed the strain so it can colonize in an
infant’s digestive system), to more than
4,500 newborn babies. The result was that
the babies had a significantly lower risk—a
reduction of 40 percent—of getting sepsis. In
addition, administering the probiotic reduced
the risk of other infections and pneumonia.
Another plus to this treatment: It only costs
$1 per patient.
the right strain of probiotic with the right sugar,
and pairing them with the right health problem.
As illustrated by the trial in India, a promising
probiotic future does appear to exist. An
Aug. 2017 article in The Atlantic stated,
“Even though probiotic products might be
underwhelming, the probiotic concept is
sound.” However, until larger and longer
studies are completed and more solid evidence
is available, you may want to talk to your doctor
to learn more about how probiotics can benefit
your health.
An Aug. 2017 New York Times article
stated that before starting the clinical
trial, Dr. Panigrahi’s team tested
280 different strains to find the
one that could best cling to a
baby’s gut, never entered the
bloodstream, and could outgrow
bad bacteria. There were also
20 years of preparation done prior
to the trial to observe bacteria that
can invade infants’ intestines and
into their bloodstreams.
Although the startling outcomes of this
study illustrate what probiotics can
accomplish, they also highlight the
importance of making sure to choose
7

A Clean Home is a
Healthy Home?
Not Always
Many common household
cleaners are highly toxic;
healthy alternatives available
By Ryan Jones
Consumer Connection staff
Household cleaning products typically make
some of life’s drab-but-necessary chores a
little easier or enable them to be finished more
quickly. But what is cutting through those rings
in the toilet or greasy gunk in the oven? Lots of
chemicals you likely haven’t heard of.
Tests and research show many chemicals in
common household cleaners are highly toxic. The
Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit
industry watchdog, has tested more than 2,000
cleaning supplies sold in the United States and
determined many are made up of substances
linked to serious health problems.
8

A big hurdle for consumers trying to determine
what chemicals are in cleaning products, the
EWG says, is a lack of ingredient information
on labels. Although examining ingredients on
food products has become commonplace for
American shoppers wanting to know what they
are consuming, cleaning product labels are far
less complete because manufacturers aren’t
required to list ingredients on the bottle, can,
or box.
Most manufacturers provide some ingredient
information on their websites, and the federal
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
requires companies to provide Material Safety
Data Sheets to workers who commonly use their
products. The data sheets, which have more
comprehensive ingredient lists and alert workers
about potentially harmful substances, can be
found on many manufacturer websites as well.
Significant findings came out of EWG’s testing
and research, which is updated regularly:
Fumes from some cleaning products may
trigger asthma in otherwise healthy people.
A growing body of evidence links frequent
use of many ordinary cleaning supplies
at home or the workplace with the
development of respiratory problems,
including asthma. It is known that fumes
from cleaning products can cause attacks in
those previously diagnosed with asthma.
9

Some common cleaning products contain
chemicals classified as human carcinogens
(cancer causing) such as 1,4-dioxane and
formaldehyde (also known as formalin).
Formaldehyde was listed as an ingredient
in dozens of cleaners. In some cases,
formaldehyde is not added to a product by
manufacturers but is a byproduct of other
chemicals mixing together.
Some cleaners may cause chemical burns
and poisonings in addition to less severe
irritations and allergies. Pregnant women
and those with small children should be
particularly careful about exposure to
cleaning products.
Several brand-name laundry detergents
were found to contain, as an unintentional
byproduct, a chemical deemed a probable
human carcinogen by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
Industry trade group the American Cleaning
Institute (ACI), in its response to the initial 2012
EWG report—which has been updated regularly
since then—called their conclusions “distortions.”
“The disappointing scare campaign by the
Environmental Working Group promotes false fears
about cleaning products, which play an essential
role in our daily lives,” said Brian Sansoni, ACI Vice
President of Communication, in a news release.
If you suspect a family member has become ill
due to high exposure of a household cleaner,
or they show any abnormal symptoms after
using a cleaner around the house, see a doctor
immediately to be safe. Be sure a doctor’s license
is in good standing by checking it at the website of
the Medical Board of California (www.mbc.ca.gov).
Alternatives for consumers
The soap and cleaning compound manufacturing
market in the United States is enormous,
generating an estimated $60 billion in 2016,
according to industry statistics portal
www.statista.com. An increasingly large slice
of that pie is due to sales of more environmentally
friendly or “natural” products.
Because of that, consumers have more household
cleaning options than ever. Options online that can
be researched and delivered to your
front door are seemingly endless.
10

A quick search at the website of a large chain
retailer listed 161 “natural cleaning” items in
categories ranging from hypoallergenic to crueltyfree
to biodegradable.
For consumers wanting to go a step further,
several homemade cleaners that combine
common, simple ingredients have shown to
be effective and inexpensive. Here are a few
examples of DIY cleaners tested by Good
Housekeeping in its lab:
To clean brass, use white vinegar or lemon
juice on a sponge with table salt.
Using homemade cleaning products exclusively
isn’t a likely option for most, but for consumers
who have concerns about using chemical-based
cleaners, experimenting with one or two simple
mixtures is a way to get started.
Used in moderation and as instructed on the
label, cleaning products of any kind pose a small
risk, if any. However, more and more consumers
are demanding environment-friendly options
as evidenced by store shelves that continue
to expand with products incorporating at least
some natural ingredients.
For polishing copper, combine ketchup
with table salt and use a rag to rub over the
surface.
To remove pesky water rings on finished
wood surfaces and counter tops, use one part
white, non-gel toothpaste and one part baking
soda. Dampen a cloth with water and add the
toothpaste mixture, using another soft cloth
for a final shine.
Resources
Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org
Environmental Protection Agency: www.epa.gov
Consumer Product Safety Commission: www.cpsc.gov
Good Housekeeping: www.goodhousekeeping.com
For a scented all-purpose cleaner, fill half of
a container with white vinegar and half with
water. Add lemon rind and rosemary sprigs for
a natural scent.
If your oven is in need of cleaning, try
combining half a cup of baking soda with
3 tablespoons of water in a bowl for a paste.
After removing the interior racks, coat the
interior of the oven with the paste and let it sit
overnight for at least 12 hours. Use a damp
cloth to wipe out the dried baking soda paste.
11

Understanding the
Building Homes and Jobs Act
State creates fund to help
local governments develop
affordable housing
By Consumer Connection staff
The Building Homes and Jobs Act (Act), also known
as Senate Bill 2 (Atkins, Chapter 364, Statutes of
2017), became effective Jan. 1. However, what the
Act entails has some people confused; consequently,
the Bureau of Real Estate (CalBRE) is providing
clarification through public outreach.
Although CalBRE monitored the bill prior to it becoming
law, the program remains under the jurisdiction of the
Department of Housing and Community Development
(HCD) and the California Housing Finance Agency
(CalHFA). We asked Daniel E. Kehew, real estate
counsel for CalBRE, to discuss the purpose of the
Act and its intended impact.
What will the Act do and how does it affect
California consumers?
The Building Homes and Jobs Act creates a fund, the
Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund, that will be used
to generate new housing opportunities in California.
HCD and the CalHFA are developing programs for
managing that money. Initially, the fund will target issues
relating to local land-use planning and addressing
homelessness. After the first year, the money will
be available to local governments to fund a variety
of housing activities, depending on the needs of the
community and the state government for farmworker
housing, state incentive programs, and facilitating mixedincome
multifamily housing developments affordable for
Californians with lower and moderate incomes.
Where does the money for the fund come from?
The money for the fund comes from a fee imposed on
consumers whenever a real estate transaction document
is recorded at a county recorder’s office; although that
will not apply to documents that are recorded when a
real property is sold. The fee would apply to deeds, grant
deeds, trustee’s deeds, deeds of trust, conveyances,
quit claim deeds, fictitious deeds of trust, assignments
of deeds of trust, and a variety of other recorded
documents associated with real property ownership.
The fee is $75 per document; up to $225 per
transaction (where a transaction involves recording more
than one document). This fee is a surcharge above the
“base” fee to record the document.
12

Are all consumers who refinance their homes
required to pay a $75 fee? Are there other fees
consumers will be responsible for?
Yes, they are required to pay the $75 fee. Depending on
what the consumer is seeking to accomplish, more than
one document may need to be recorded. Consumers
should consult their licensed mortgage professional
about this, or ask their county’s recorder for information
about the number of documents that need to be
recorded for the planned transaction.
Will the rules be universally applied throughout
the state and counties?
The fees are uniform statewide, but local governments
will have a say in how the resulting funds are spent to
address local housing issues.
How much revenue is the fee likely to bring
into California?
Analysts working for the Legislature estimated that the
annual revenue to the Trust Fund will be $200 million
to $250 million, depending on the volume of recorded
documents. Ultimately, this money is intended to mitigate
the state’s issues with lack of housing stock, particularly
for Californians with lower to middle incomes.
How does the Act’s fee vary from
reconveyance fees?
First, it’s important to know what a reconveyance fee
is. When a homeowner finances a home purchase with
a mortgage, the mortgage lender gets an ownership
interest in the property through a lien against the
property. That lien is recorded with the county
recorder’s office. When the homeowner chooses to
refinance the property, he or she is changing from one
mortgage to another mortgage, and the old mortgage
lien must be released at the recorder’s office.
A reconveyance fee is typically charged by the old
mortgage lender to cover their cost for clearing that
lien, including the cost of recording a document at the
county recorder’s office to release the lien. This is true
even if the “old” lender is the same as the “new” lender.
So, the reconveyance fee charged during a mortgage
refinance is money that goes to reimburse the “old”
lender for costs that may include the recording of
a document.
The new fee imposed by the Act is not a reconveyance
fee. The new fee is charged by the county recorder and
paid to the Trust Fund. It’s worth noting that recording
of the document that clears the old lender’s lien—the
document paid for with the reconveyance fee—may
result in a charge for the new Trust Fund.
To learn more about the Building Homes and Jobs
Act, visit the California Legislative Information web
page at https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov and
search for the bill by number. For information regarding
real estate licensure, regulations, education, and
enforcement issues, contact the California Bureau of
Real Estate at (877) 373-4542 or visit its website at
www.dre.ca.gov.
Consumers with questions regarding the real estate
transaction fees should contact their local county
recorder. For additional information on the programs
and activities funded by the Building Homes and
Jobs Act, contact the Department of Housing and
Community Development at CAHP@hcd.ca.gov,
visit the California Housing Finance Agency at
www.calhfa.ca.gov, or call (877) 922-5432.
13

The Next
ave
New Law Strengthens Pool
Safety Standards
All new construction and
remodels now must have
at least two ways to
prevent drownings
By Laura Kujubu
Consumer Connection staff
The state’s 20-year-old Swimming Pool Safety
Act has doubled its safety requirements.
Since 1998, California has required new or
remodeled residential pools and spas to
have at least one safety feature, such as a
fence or an alarm. Senate Bill 442 (Newman,
Chapter 670, Statutes of 2017) takes the
Swimming Pool Safety Act a step further:
Effective Jan. 1, California law began
requiring two safety measures.
When a building permit is issued for the
construction or remodeling of a swimming pool
or spa at a private single-family home, it must
be equipped with at least two of these seven
drowning-prevention measures:
An enclosure that isolates the swimming
pool or spa from the home.
Removable mesh fencing, along with a
self-closing and self-latching gate that can
accommodate a key-lockable device.
An approved safety pool cover.
Exit alarms on the home’s doors that
provide direct access to the pool or spa.
A self-closing, self-latching device on the
home’s doors that provide direct access to
the pool or spa.
An alarm that will sound upon detection of
accidental or unauthorized entrance into
the pool or spa water.
Other means of protection that meet or
exceed the degree of protection of the
previous features mentioned.
14

In addition, the updated Swimming Pool
Safety Act states that when a home is
sold, an inspector must specify in their report
which two safety devices were implemented.
For detailed information regarding SB 442’s
safety requirements, visit the California
Legislative Information website at
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov and
use the search function to find the bill.
SB 442 does not apply to public swimming
pools, hot tubs, or spas with locking safety
covers that comply with the American
Society for Testing and Materials, and an
apartment complex or residential setting
other than a single-family home.
According to the California Department
of Developmental Services (DDS), drowning
is a leading cause of death for children under
5 years old. Also, a child who does survive
a drowning incident can be left with
permanent brain damage. DDS provides
lifelong support services to 755 survivors
of near-drowning accidents.
To learn more about drowning prevention, visit
the Department of Developmental Services’
website at www.dds.ca.gov/drowning.
“When the families of victims came to me
with ways to improve the outdated Swimming
Pool Safety Act, and thereby prevent others
from experiencing the tragedies they
had endured through the drowning or
near-drowning of a child, I was moved
to act,” the author of SB 442, Sen. Josh
Newman, said in a news release.
“Residential pool drownings can be
prevented, and SB 442 will go far toward
reducing the pain and costs associated
with pool drownings.”
15

Pool construction:
What you must consider
Like many home improvement projects,
having a swimming pool put in your backyard
is usually a complicated endeavor. Because
of this, you want to make sure to choose
a licensed contractor who’s experienced
and reliable, as well as have a written,
comprehensive contract in place.
California law requires that contractors who
build swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs
have a valid C-53 swimming pool license
issued by the Contractors State License
Board (CSLB). Be sure to ask to see proof of
a contractor’s license along with valid photo
identification, and check their license on the
CSLB website at www.cslb.ca.gov.
When searching for a contractor, ask for
references from friends and family and from
trade associations. Once you narrow down
your search, get bids from at least three
different contractors, as well as request
information regarding past clients and contact
them for feedback.
and dimensions; construction and equipment
specifications; and clean-up details. Don’t
sign anything until you fully understand all
the terms.
Another important tip: Be careful about “frontloading,”
where contractors take excessive
down payments or money for work before it’s
completed. When you pay a contractor for
work that hasn’t been done, you risk getting
stuck with an incomplete job and then having
to pay someone else to finish it. According
to CSLB, pay no more than 10 percent or
$1,000 down, whichever is less, and don’t
pay in cash.
For more tips, read the CSLB publication
Before You Dive In: A Consumer Guide
to Swimming Pool Construction at
www.cslb.ca.gov and click on “Guides and
Publications” under “Popular Pages.”
To avoid any misunderstandings between you
and your contractor, get all project details in
writing. The written contract should include
items such as a description of the work and
the materials and equipment that will be used;
a plan and scale drawing of the shape, size,
16

When Purchases Turn S UR
Take the time to learn your warranty rights before making a claim
By Michelle Cave
Consumer Connection staff
The Magnuson-Moss Warrant Act (MMWA),
also known as the Federal Lemon Law, creates
protections for people who buy consumer
goods valued at more than $15 that are subject
to a warranty. It has proven to be especially
helpful for consumers who buy new or used
cars and trucks. In the purchase of a vehicle, a
warranty period is set by a specific amount of
time or mileage used. The warranty is a promise
from the manufacturer or dealership that they
stand behind their product or that repairs and
replacements will be made to correct specific
defects or malfunctions—free of charge during
the warranty period.
Passed by Congress in 1975 and enforced by the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC), MMWA was
enacted to protect and empower consumers in
the following ways:
First, it ensures that consumers have
access to complete information about
warranty terms and conditions by requiring
manufacturers and car dealerships to clearly
disclose any terms of the vehicle warranty
to the consumer in clear language before
the bargaining process begins, to avoid the
appearance of deceptive practices.
Second, the mandate ensures that
consumers have access to resources to
compare warranty coverage before buying,
thereby providing consumers with the
freedom to select a product that best fits
their needs according to price, features, and
warranty coverage.
Third, MMWA promotes sales by assuring
that consumers can comparison shop and
encourages healthy competition among
manufacturers and dealerships, which in
turn strengthens incentives for dealerships
to fulfill their warranty obligations in a
timely manner.
17

Many consumers mistakenly believe they
must return to the same dealership where
they purchased their vehicle for routine
maintenance—such as oil changes, tire
rotations, belt replacements, fluid checks and
flushes, new brake pads and inspections and
repairs—or else the warranty will become null
and void. According to the FTC, it is illegal for
a dealer or manufacturer to deny a warranty
claim or void warranty coverage because
maintenance or repairs were performed by
someone else, such as the owner of the
vehicle, an independent mechanic, or chain
repair shop.
Additionally, MMWA makes it illegal for a
dealer or manufacturer to void a warranty or
deny coverage during the warranty period
if aftermarket or recycled parts, which are
oftentimes less expensive, were used instead
of original equipment manufacturer parts
for repairs.
There is one exception. The dealer or
manufacturer can require the consumer to
use select parts if they were provided to the
consumer free of charge. Moreover, if the
aftermarket or recycled part used in the repair
was defective or was not installed correctly,
and caused damage to a part that is covered
by the warranty, the dealer or manufacturer
has the right to deny coverage for that part and
charge the consumer for subsequent repairs.
MMWA also prohibits tying consumers to
any specific brand, which provides the
consumer a freedom of choice of where they
take their vehicle for repairs and which parts
they can select.
Once your vehicle purchase is complete,
you can empower yourself by reading your
owner’s manual thoroughly to be sure you
understand the parameters of any existing
warranty. The Department of Consumer Affairs’
Bureau of Automotive Repair’s (BAR’s) website
(www.bar.ca.gov) has helpful information
such as a list of links to manufacturer-specific
warranty information and the “Top 5 Reasons
to Read Your Owner’s Manual.”
Before having regular maintenance or repairs
made to your vehicle, it is best to “check the
shop before you stop.” BAR can help you
find a licensed professional repair facility
near you to help keep your vehicle running
in tip-top condition.
Resource
Federal Trade Commission: Auto Warranties and Routine
Maintenance: www.consumer.ftc.gov
However, the burden of proof falls on the dealer
or manufacturer to show that the damage was
caused by the aftermarket or recycled part
before warranty coverage can be denied.
18

Ways to
Get Kids
Eating
Better
Several motivating strategies can be
useful for parents
By Ryan Jones
Consumer Connection staff
Everyone wants their kids to grow up
happy and healthy, but a major component
of that equation—a balanced, nutritious diet—
can be a challenge for parents.
Many of the things kids’ taste buds clamor
for most often aren’t healthy: chips,
burgers, fries, chicken fingers, sugary
cereals, cookies, doughnuts, soda, etc.
And while getting kids to always avoid
those things isn’t realistic, there are
several ways to promote healthy eating
while reducing the chances they develop
health problems that can arise because
of a poor diet.
19

Childhood obesity in the United States
continues to worsen. The percentage of children
and teens affected by obesity has tripled since
the 1970s to 20 percent, according to 2015–16
data from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC).
Children and adolescents with obesity are
at greater risk of developing chronic health
conditions such as asthma, sleep apnea, bone
and joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease.
These tips can help parents set up children of all
ages on a healthy path:
Think big picture. Experts say it’s best to
encourage healthy eating habits as a standard
rather than worrying every time they have
a cookie or bowl of ice cream. Sweets or
fatty foods aren’t too terrible if they’re
consumed in moderation or periodically during
a special occasion.
Don’t give up on picky eaters. Especially
for young children, repeated exposure to foods
such as fruits and vegetables is important to
develop their preferences. A 2017 report in the
journal Obesity Reviews says there is substantial
evidence that exposure to healthy foods over
an extended period of time can counteract
the natural hesitance children may have when
encountering many foods for the first time.
Provide healthy choices. If the only snacks
usually in your kitchen are chips and cookies,
obviously that’s what your kids are going to
reach for and become conditioned to eating.
Put healthy snacks in the fridge such as carrot
and celery sticks, and grapes, and place them in
clear plastic bags or glass containers where they
are visible. Keep fruit in a bowl on the counter,
and suggest a healthy option if you know your
child is searching for a quick bite.
20

Plan dinners whenever possible. Good
meals don’t have to be elaborate, but they
should be balanced. The U.S. Department of
Agriculture’s Choose My Plate program—a
reincarnation of the old food pyramid taught
to kids for so many years—calls for half of the
plate being fruits and vegetables, with the other
half split between grains (whole-grain bread,
rice, pasta) and a protein source such as lean
meat, beans, or cheese. Planning dinners at least
two or three days a week can help parents
avoid throwing together something at the last
minute that lacks balance or defaulting to a fastfood
run.
Don’t be an on-call cook. Avoid getting
into the habit of making more than one meal to
appease a picky eater. In addition to the added
time and effort necessary to pull off multiple
meals, this practice will discourage a child from
trying new things, particularly healthy ones that
aren’t favorites. If you hear, “I don’t like that,”
from your kid, emphasize the benefits of a
healthy diet and ask them to start with a few
bites before making up their mind (remember,
persistence is key).
Food-enforcer demands don’t work.
Research indicates putting eating demands
on kids is detrimental. Familiar dinner-table
ultimatums such as, “You aren’t leaving this
table until you clean your plate” are still
common among parents. A 2013 University
of Minnesota study showed that up to 60
percent of parents required their adolescents
to clean their plates and restricted eating when
they didn’t. Pressuring a child who doesn’t
like peas to eat all the peas on their plate, for
instance, is likely to enforce their dislike rather
than persuade them that the food is worth
another try. Researchers who conducted the
Minnesota study recommend parents “encourage
moderation rather than overconsumption and
emphasize healthful food choices rather than
restrictive eating patterns.”
Get creative. According to a CDC report in
Aug.2017, the amount of fruit children eat is rising
but the amount of vegetables they consume is
not. To make vegetables more appealing, try
combining them with other things. Broccoli or
sliced bell peppers may cause your child to groan,
for instance, but putting them on a pizza may
pass the taste test; greens can be camouflaged in
smoothies; and carrot sticks and celery may be
more appetizing with a little ranch or blue cheese
dressing to dip them in.
Involve kids in the process. Getting kids in
the kitchen to help prepare a meal can be an
easy (and fun!) way for them to take ownership
of food and may be the difference between them
21

looking forward to trying something healthy or
leaving it untouched. If kitchen assistance proves
unsuccessful, ask for your kid’s suggestions when
planning meals to get them involved. Give them
multiple healthy options to increase the chances
something will sound good.
Shun the soda. Kids love soda (and other
super-sugary drinks), and it’s everywhere in
every conceivable flavor. But lots of research has
linked high-sugar beverages (including juices) to
weight gain in children, which is not remarkable
considering a typical 20-ounce soda contains 15
to 18 teaspoons of sugar and about 230 calories.
The same amount of an average orange juice,
while packed with vitamin C, contains more than
250 calories and 11 teaspoons of sugar. Urge kids
to drink more water and other healthier drinks
such as milk, sugar-free juice, and unsweetened
(or naturally sweetened) iced tea. For older kids
who drink more than one or two sodas a day,
insist they drink something healthier with meals.
Lead by example. Kids, often younger ones,
frequently follow in their parents’ footsteps
when it comes to habits and tendencies. Dietary
patterns are no different. Encouraging them
to eat vegetables and cut back on sweets will
probably ring hollow if you drink a lot of soda
and often grab a doughnut for breakfast. Assess
your eating habits honestly and work on healthy
changes for the better to provide your child or
teen with a dietary role model.
Always consult your pediatrician or doctor before
putting your child on a weight-loss diet, trying
to help them gain weight, or making any drastic
changes in the types of foods your child eats.
Don’t diagnose your child as too heavy or too
thin by yourself. To verify that a doctor’s state
license is in good standing, visit the Medical Board
of California’s website at www.mbc.ca.gov.
Remember, patience and persistence are keys to
lasting lifestyle changes—they will likely take time
as well as effort.
Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
U.S. Department of Agriculture: www.usda.gov
California Department of Food and Agriculture:
www.cdfa.ca.gov
World Obesity Federation: www.worldobesity.org
22

yelash xtensions
All the Rage,
But Be on the
Lookout for Hazards
Make sure technicians use
formaldehyde-free adhesives,
follow health and safety rules
By Laurel Goddard
Consumer Connection staff
Have you ever wanted long, lush, fluttery
eyelashes like the ones seen on some movie
stars? Celebs are singing the praises of this
beauty enhancement, and not surprisingly,
eyelash extension services are popping up
quicker than you can bat an eye.
23

During this cosmetic procedure, synthetic, silk,
or mink eyelashes are applied one at a time
using specially formulated semipermanent glue
to create the appearance of longer, thicker
eyelashes. Most lash extensions are applied to
existing natural lashes, and an individual must
have some natural lashes for the procedure to
be effective.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
considers lash extensions and their adhesives
(which are required to hold them in place) to
be cosmetic products, and as such, they must
follow safety and labeling requirements for
cosmetics. Read more about eye cosmetic
safety on the FDA’s website at www.fda.gov.
By law, establishments cannot have products
on the premises that contain hazardous
substances banned by the FDA for use in
cosmetics. Also, they cannot use a product
in a manner not approved by the FDA, U.S.
Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and
Health Administration, or U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
Avoid eyelash backlash
Remember, eyelids are delicate, and an allergic
reaction, irritation, or other injury in the eye area
can be particularly dangerous. Eyelash glues
can cause allergic reactions, and so can the
solvents used to remove them, according to
Consumer Reports (CR). CR’s medical adviser
Dr. Orly Avitzur explains in an online video (visit
www.consumerreports.org and search for
“eyelash extensions”) that eyelash extensions can
trap dirt and bacteria that can lead to infection.
They can also cause permanent damage to
natural eyelashes and erosion of the inner
surfaces of the eyelids.
Before getting eyelash extensions, ask what type
of adhesive is used, and if possible, read the
ingredients list and packaging warning labels.
Ask the technician to use a formaldehyde-free
adhesive, because formaldehyde is known to be
a health hazard.
Only licensed cosmetologists or estheticians
should be applying lashes. Make sure your
technician is licensed with the Board of Barbering
and Cosmetology. The license should be posted in
plain view at the technician’s primary workstation.
If you do not see the license, ask. If the technician
does not have the required licensure, leave—eye
safety is too important to risk. The establishment
must also be licensed, and the license must be
posted in the reception area.
When NOT to get eyelash extensions
❋ If your eye or eyelid is irritated, inflamed,
infected, or you have open wounds.
❋ If you are allergic to latex or any of the
ingredients contained in the lash adhesive.
❋ If you are unsure, ask the technician to
perform a patch test—a procedure in which
the technician will apply a small amount of the
adhesive to a part of your skin, wait 24 hours,
and observe the area for allergic reaction.
24

❋ If the technician is trying to use nail glue
on your lashes, leave the establishment
immediately and seek out a reputable
technician.
❋ In most cases, lashes should not be applied
to individuals who have alopecia, are
undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation, or
suffer from a condition called trichotillomania,
which is a disorder characterized by the urge
to pull out eyelashes or other hair.
Here are some additional tips consumers should
keep in mind when getting lash extensions:
While at the salon
❋ Look around to see if the salon is clean, free
of trash, and set up with clean, sanitized tools.
❋ Technicians should wash their hands before
serving you. If they don’t, ask them to.
❋ All tools should come from a clean, closed
container that is labeled “clean.” Ask what
disinfection procedures your technician is
using. You have the right to know—it’s your
health that’s at stake.
❋ Disposable items such as cotton balls and
pads, sponges, mascara wands, and cotton
swabs should be immediately thrown away
after use.
❋ Your treatment table should be covered with
a clean towel or a sheet of new treatment
table paper.
After the service
Having lash extensions applied can have
unfavorable results, including an allergic reaction,
irritation, burning, redness, and soreness. Do
your part in keeping your eyes safe:
❋ Do not get your lashes wet for 24 to 48 hours
after application. This includes avoiding
workouts, steam rooms, and hot yoga. The
adhesive may reactivate and cause the lashes
to stick together.
❋ Resist the urge to pull at the lashes. Pulling,
picking, or touching the lashes could damage
your natural lashes and spread bacteria to
your eye area.
❋ Do not use moisture-rich products around
your lashes. Shampoos, conditioners, or oilbased
products will eventually loosen the
adhesive bond. Keep your head tilted back
when washing your hair to help avoid getting
the lashes wet or exposed to these products.
To verify a beauty professional’s license, visit the
board’s website at www.barbercosmo.ca.gov
and click on the “License Search” button.
Remember that both the technician and the
establishment must be licensed.
During the service
❋ Keep your eyes closed.
❋ Your lower lashes should be covered to
prevent contact with the upper lashes.
❋ Your upper eyelid should be covered for
protection.
❋ Lash extensions should be placed close to
the hair root and not touch your skin.
25

Friendly Pet Licks and Other ‘Icks’
Can Make You Sick
Take precautions to protect yourself from fleas, worms,
and other sources of disease
By Joyia Emard
Consumer Connection staff
Californians love their pets, but some of that close
contact you share with them could make you sick.
Illnesses you could contract from your pets, called
zoonotic illnesses, include diarrhea, cat scratch
disease, toxoplasmosis, and rabies, as well as getting
sick from hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms,
and salmonella.
The good news is you’re safe from many pet illnesses,
including colds, dog flu, feline leukemia, and feline
herpes. And the best news is that getting a disease
from your pet is not common and you can take
precautions to avoid getting ill.
You may wonder how your lovable pets can make you
sick. It seems that our pets have hygiene habits that
can transfer bacteria and other nasty things into their
mouths, and then to you. You’ve all seen how and
where your pets lick themselves, and you’ve watched
dogs greet each other by posterior sniffing. And cats
always seem to enjoy showing everyone their derrieres
and are constantly cleaning themselves. Pet feces is
the problem.
Animal feces can contain lots of disgusting things like
worm eggs and worm spores. Dog and cat licks can
26

also contain the eggs and spores along with illnesscausing
bacteria. People most at risk of getting sick
from animals are those with a weakened immune
system, frail elderly people, pregnant women, and
young children.
An easy precaution you and your family can take is to
not let your pets lick you, especially on your mouth or
on an open wound. And always wash your hands with
soap and water after petting, grooming, feeding, or
cleaning up after your pets. Stay clear of wild animals
and strays, and if you are bitten or scratched by a pet,
clean the wound right away and watch for any signs
of infection. Be sure to seek medical attention if an
infection develops.
An important safeguard is to make sure your
pets receive regular veterinary care, including
deworming and vaccinations. This will go a long way
toward keeping both you and your pets healthy.
Additionally, many doctors and veterinarians are now
recommending that you not allow your pets to sleep in
or on your bed because their fecal matter and bacteria
can be transferred onto the bedding—and you.
Here are some of the illnesses you could get
from your pets:
Cat scratch disease
Also called bartonellosis, cat scratch disease is
bacterial and spreads between cats by fleas, but
people can get it from a scratch or bite from an
infected cat. Flu-like symptoms can cause mild to
serious medical problems.
Prevention
Control fleas in your home and on your pets.
Don’t do any roughhousing with your cat that
could cause scratches or bites, and don’t allow your
kitty to lick your open wounds. Wash any scratches
or bites immediately, and call your doctor if an
infection develops.
Hookworms
Hookworms are very small
worms that can infect cats
and dogs, and are especially
dangerous to puppies.
People can get hookworms
from walking barefoot on or
coming in contact with stool
from infected animals.
Prevention
Clean up outdoor pet droppings so eggs won’t
hatch. Immediately wash any part of your body that
comes in contact with pet fecal matter, and have
your kittens and puppies dewormed by a vet.
RABIES
The scariest disease you can get from animals is
rabies. Rabies is a virus spread through bites and
is generally fatal. It is more likely to be spread by a
wild animal. Contact your doctor immediately if an
animal bites you, and if the animal is a pet, verify its
rabies vaccinations are current.
Prevention
Have pets vaccinated regularly, and keep your pets
out of contact with wild animals.
Ringworm
Ringworm is not really a
worm. It’s a very contagious
fungal infection on the top
layer of skin. Dogs, cats,
horses, and other animals
get it and can pass it on to
people. You can even get it
from touching the surface of
an object that has been in contact with an infected
animal. Ringworm causes a rash that can be dry and
scaly or wet and crusty. If you get it on your feet, it’s
called athlete’s foot.
Prevention
Have your pets treated right away, especially if skin
lesions develop. People can use over-the-counter
anti-fungal medications. Keep animals off your bed.
27

Roundworms
Roundworms cause a parasitic
disease called toxocariasis,
which can be found in dogs
and cats, and especially
puppies. You get it from
accidentally swallowing
roundworm eggs. Children
seem to be most susceptible,
and the disease can invade the retina of the eye,
possibly causing blindness, or it can affect the liver,
lungs, or central nervous system. Toxocariasis is caused
by roundworm larvae migration in body tissues.
Prevention
Make your cats indoor pets, and be sure you wash
your hands after cleaning the litterbox. Have your
kittens and puppies dewormed by a vet. Clean up
outdoor pet droppings, and keep young children away
from areas where there are pet droppings.
Toxoplasmosis
Toxoplasmosis is caused by a protozoan, and you can
get it from infected cat feces. It is very dangerous for
pregnant women as it can infect the fetus and cause a
miscarriage or serious birth defects.
Prevention
Avoid direct contact with kitty litter or outdoor areas
where a cat may have defecated. Be sure to wear
gloves and then wash your hands after cleaning the
litter box. Pregnant women or family members with
weakened immune systems should not clean litter
boxes. Reduce your cat’s risk of infection by keeping
the cat indoors.
SAlmonELLA
If you are a reptile lover, beware. Up to 90 percent
of reptiles carry salmonella. Baby chicks can also
harbor it.
Prevention
Always wash your hands after handling reptiles or
baby chicks, and never wash a reptile tank in your
kitchen sink. If you use another sink or tub, be
sure to disinfect it after the cleaning.
tapeworms
Dogs and cats get infected
by a tapeworm by
swallowing a flea that
contains the larvae.
Humans can get infected
with them the same way
or through exposure to
feces, food, or water
contaminated with the tapeworm eggs or larvae.
Hydatid disease is a rare, but more serious form of
a tapeworm infection that causes cysts to form on
a person’s liver, lungs, brain, and other organs.
Prevention
Flea control is critical, as is having your pet treated
at the first sign of a tapeworm infection. Clean
up pet droppings and keep children out of areas
that could be contaminated. Have your pet treated
immediately if you see signs of a tapeworm—they
look like small grains of rice and are found in the
stool or on the anal area.
Although there are serious illnesses you can get from
your pets, the benefits of having these animals in
your life can far outweigh any risks of illness. Being a
responsible pet owner and taking simple precautions
can ensure that you, your family, and your pets
stay well.
Be sure to have your pet regularly examined by a
licensed veterinarian, and keep up-to-date on all
animal immunizations. To check a veterinarian’s
license, visit the Veterinary Medical Board’s website
at www.vmb.ca.gov.
Resources
University of California, Berkeley, Wellness: www.berkeleywellness.com
Prevention magazine: www.prevention.com/
WebMD: pets.webmd.com
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Healthy Pets Healthy People): www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.html
28

From Workhorses to Chihuahuas
Veterinary Medical Board celebrates 125 Years
of protecting consumers and animals
1893 2018
•
VETERINARY MEDICAL BOARD
years
PROTECTING CONSUMERS & ANIMALS
•
By Joyia Emard, Consumer Connection staff
May marks the 125th anniversary of the Veterinary
Medical Board.
The board was created in 1893 at the request of
veterinary professionals who saw the need for more
training and higher standards in the care of animals.
That first year, the board licensed 69 veterinarians.
Back in those days, horses were the main means of
travel and California was an agricultural state reliant
on oxen for plowing and livestock for food.
Caring for those animals was the mainstay of early
veterinary practices. Professional veterinary care
was critical because disease outbreaks threatened
not only the livelihood and survival of individuals,
but also threatened the state’s economy. Before the
Gold Rush, veterinarians in California had little formal
training, but that changed when the West started to
draw formally trained and educated veterinarians.
After World War II, veterinary practice shifted
dramatically in the state as urbanization occurred and
veterinarians were treating more small animals and
family pets.
A lot has changed in 125 years. The board now
licenses approximately 14,000 veterinarians; 8,800
registered veterinary technicians; 3,600 veterinary
assistants; and 4,000 veterinary hospitals.
Although the board has evolved over more than
a century, it continues to protect consumers and
animals by licensing professionals, developing and
maintaining professional standards, and enforcing the
California Veterinary Medicine Practice Act.
For more information about the Veterinary Medical
Board, visit www.vmb.ca.gov.
The first board was made up of five qualified
practitioners in veterinary medicine and surgery
and was required to meet at least once every six
months. Degrees in veterinary medicine weren’t
mandatory for licensure, and the examination fee
was $5 for applicants with a diploma and $10 for
those without. A license cost $5, and practicing
without a license could result in a fine of $100 to
$500, or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Surprisingly, licenses were only required in cities or
towns that had a population of at least 2,000 people.
After the board’s first year of operation, California’s
first veterinary medical school opened—the
University of California (UC) Veterinary College, in
San Francisco, which was part of the UC system.
Resource
A Caring Profession, The Story of Veterinary Medicine in California, published by the California Veterinary Medical Association.
29

EXECUTIVE OFFICER
SPOTLIGHT
DR. MICHAEL MARION,
CHIEF
BUREAU FOR PRIVATE
POSTSECONDARY
EDUCATION
By Matt Woodcheke
Consumer Connection staff
Dr. Michael Marion is the new bureau chief of the
Department of Consumer Affairs’ (DCA’s) Bureau for
Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE). The bureau
protects students and consumers through the oversight
of California’s private postsecondary educational
institutions by reviewing educational programs and
operating standards, proactively combatting unlicensed
activity, impartially resolving student and consumer
complaints, and conducting outreach.
Dr. Marion has been very active through his work
and leadership within organizations such as the
Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce, the
Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce,
and Valley Vision. Dr. Marion recently completed the
prestigious Harvard University Executive Leadership
Program, and was part of the inaugural Presidents
Academy, a professional development program
offered collaboratively by the University of California,
Los Angeles, and the Los Angeles Community
College District in 2017.
30

We spoke with Dr. Marion, who was appointed by
Gov. Brown in September, to learn more about his
background and interests.
Where did you grow up and go to school?
I was born in Portland, Ore., but my family is from
Mississippi. I earned my associates in arts degree, and
then earned my bachelor’s and master’s degrees from
San Diego State University, and my doctorate degree
from the University of Southern California.
What was your career path that led you to DCA?
I’ve worked in education my entire professional
career. Prior to my recent arrival to state government,
I was the associate vice provost and adjunct
professor at Drexel University, and was appointed
by Gov. Brown to the California Student Aid
Commission. I’m also a facilitator for the American
Leadership Forum, Mountain Valley Chapter.
What was your personal motivation that sent
you on this path?
As a youth, I wanted to be a university professor,
but as I got older and started to understand the
varying educational systems, I wanted to be the U.S.
Secretary of Education. In my current role, I want to
do the best job I can to effect positive change within
education on a state level. One day I hope to do that
on a national and international level.
What are some of your best memories along
the way?
I would say the relationships and friendships I’ve built
during this journey, but also the genuine joy of seeing
many of my students crossing the stage at graduation,
many who were first-generation college students.
Being a first-generation college student myself, I
understand the impact on future generations.
What is your vision for the bureau?
I want to recruit, retain, train, and retrain our talent.
We have a committed team at the bureau that
really wants to make a difference. Our goal is to go
from good to great, and to strive for excellence for
consumer protection.
What is your biggest challenge?
Time. It’s a challenge to be able to do as many of the
things that I would like to accomplish when there are
just not enough hours in the day. Other issues arise
and take precedence, and things that had priority are
put on the back burner, as they are in competition
with other priorities that you have.
What would you like consumers to know
about BppE?
We are going through a revitalization at BPPE, but this
process will take time. These changes will positively
affect the bureau’s overall stance, but we must start
internally by developing a new communication plan
and new information systems, building our brand
recognition, and increasing our overall engagement
with our consumers. Also, with the opening of the
new Office of Student Assistance and Relief, we are
now better able to serve students proactively.
What do you do for fun?
My wife and I have a young family, so outside of
family time, we love to travel and enjoy outdoor
activities such as hiking, biking, snowboarding, and
we love to dance!
What was the last book you read that wasn’t
work-related?
I just finished Onward: How Starbucks Fought for Its
Life Without Losing Its Soul by Howard Schultz, the
founder of Starbucks. It’s a great book, and I just
started Good to Great and the Social Sectors by Jim
Collins. I try to reread this book every few years.
What’s on your music playlist?
If I’m in the office or at home, it tends to be R&B and
funk, but if I’m in the gym, it would certainly be rap
and/or hip-hop.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“Walk by faith, not by sight.” 2 Corinthians.
What is your personal mantra?
It’s the grit that makes the pearl.
31

Open for Business
Cannabis bureau issues more than
1,500 retail licenses since law took effect in January
By Gary Chazen
Consumer Connection staff
Meeting the needs of consumers throughout
California and the Jan. 1 deadline to begin
licensing the sale and distribution of adult-use
cannabis, the Bureau of Cannabis Control
(BCC) has come a long way in a short amount
of time.
The Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis
Regulation and Safety Act was approved in
June 2017, creating one regulatory system for
both medicinal and adult-use cannabis. As of
March 14, the bureau had issued nearly 1,500
licenses, with the first one approved in mid-
December. In other words, the bureau was ready
for New Year’s Day.
“This is a historic day for the state of California,”
BCC Chief Lori Ajax said in a Jan. 1 news release.
“It marks the beginning of a legal cannabis
marketplace that will be well regulated in order to
protect consumers and maintain a level playing field
for cannabis-related businesses. We are hopeful
that we have put forth a model that other states will
look to as an example when they head down the
path to legalization.”
Getting to this point took a lot of planning,
regulation writing, legal approvals, coordination
with local jurisdictions, and educational workshops
throughout the state where the bureau not only
informed prospective retailers, lab testers, and
distributors, but also listened to concerns as they
worked through solutions together.
32
WWW.BCC.CA.GOV

By New Year’s Day, more than 400 cannabis
businesses were licensed and ready to begin
operations. By mid-March, that number had swelled
to 1,470 cannabis businesses licensed—and the
bureau continues to receive more applications
every day.
Local authorization and
landowner approval
Among its many concerns, BCC wants to ensure
that cannabis businesses are good neighbors.
This is why the bureau can only issue a temporary
license if the applicant has obtained a valid license,
permit, or other authorization from the local
jurisdiction where the commercial cannabis activity
will take place.
In addition, the bureau requires landowner approval
to occupy and conduct commercial cannabis
activity on the premises. If the applicant owns the
property, they must submit a copy of the title or
deed to the bureau. If the applicant does not own
the property, they must submit written approval
from the landowner to both occupy the property
and to conduct activity specific to the license
there. Likewise, if there is a lease, it should also
be submitted to the bureau.
Who issues licenses
State licenses for cannabis manufacturers and
cultivators have also been issued by the California
Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the
California Department of Food and Agriculture
(CDFA), respectively.
A temporary license issued by the bureau is good
for 120 days, after which a permanent license
must be obtained.
For additional information on licensing, or to
subscribe to email alerts to hear about updates
as they become available, visit the bureau’s
website at www.bcc.ca.gov. Other licensing
authorities include:
CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing,
a division of CDFA, is responsible for
licensing cultivators of medicinal and
adult-use cannabis and implementing
a track-and-trace system to record the
movement of cannabis through the
distribution chain. For more information
about licensing by CDFA, visit
http://calcannabis.cdfa.ca.gov.
The Manufactured Cannabis
Safety Branch, a division of CDPH, is
responsible for regulating and licensing
the manufacturers of cannabis-infused
edibles for both medical and adult-use.
Visit www.cdph.ca.gov, click on the
“Programs” tab, and then “Division of
Food, Drug, and Cannabis Safety” to
learn more about the Manufactured
Cannabis Safety Branch.
For more information, visit the BCC website
or call (833) 768-5880.
Those interested in applying for a license or running
a license search can access the bureau’s online
services system at http://online.bcc.ca.gov.
WWW.BCC.CA.GOV
33

Office of Publications, Design & Editing
1625 N. Market Blvd., Suite N-119
Sacramento, CA 95834
CREDITS
Hazel Alig
Cesar Altamirano
Michelle Cave
Gary Chazen
Mandy Duron
Joyia Emard
Laurel Goddard
Ramona Godoy
Steve Horkey
Ryan Jones
Laura Kujubu
Richard Perez
June Vargas
Lana Wilson-Combs
Rick Wong
Matt Woodcheke
Design by Carol Stover
Edmund G. Brown Jr.
Governor
Alexis PodesTA
Secretary, Business, Consumer
Services and Housing Agency
dEAn R. GrAFIlo
Director, Department of Consumer Affairs
18_052 (03/18)
Like this magazine? Subscribe free!
If you’d like to have upcoming issues of Consumer Connection magazine mailed to you automatically at no charge,
please email your name, mailing address, and phone number to ConsumerConnection@dca.ca.gov.
You can also order online at www.dca.ca.gov/publications/publications_list.pdf or call 866.320.8652 to
subscribe or request specific editions. Community-based groups may request multiple copies subject to inventory.
Facebook www.facebook.com/CAConsumerConnection Twitter www.twitter.com/dcanews
Blog thedcapage.blog
2009 Winner
2009 Winner
2008 Winner
National Association
of Consumer Agency
Administrators
ACE Award 2009
ACE Award 2008
2008 Award of Excellence
State Information
Officers Council
2016 Silver Award
2015 Silver Award
2014 Silver Award
2013 Silver Award
2012 Silver Award
2011 Silver Award
2010 Silver Award